Fiery Puffed Rice Chaat Recipe – Red, Green & Brown Chutney Flavors

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Fiery Puffed Rice Chaat Recipe – Red, Green & Brown Chutney Flavors

Introduction

Oh, chaat! Just the word makes my mouth water, doesn’t it? It’s the ultimate Indian street food – a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. And this Puffed Rice Chaat? It’s a personal favorite. I first made this when I was craving something quick, flavorful, and satisfying, and it’s been a family hit ever since. It’s seriously addictive, and the best part is, it comes together in under 20 minutes! Get ready for a crispy, tangy, spicy, and sweet treat that will leave you wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any puffed rice chaat. We’re taking things up a notch with a trio of homemade chutneys – fiery red, vibrant green, and sweet brown. Each chutney brings its own unique personality to the party, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal cooking, and is perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. Plus, it’s totally customizable to your spice preference!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this chaat magic:

• 2 cups Puffed Rice (Murmura)
• 1 Onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 Tomato, deseeded and finely chopped
• 4-5 fresh springs Coriander leaves, finely chopped
• 2-3 tbsp Peanuts, roasted
• 4-6 tbsp Sev
• 6 dry Red chillies
• 1/2 tbsp Tamarind paste
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1/2 tbsp Jeera/cumin, slightly roasted
• 1 cup Mint leaves
• 1/2 cup Coriander leaves
• 3-6 Green chillies, deseeded and chopped
• 1 cup pitted Dates, chopped
• 1/2 tbsp Red chilli powder
• 1 tbsp Sugar (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Freshness is key here. The brighter the mint and coriander, the more vibrant your green chutney will be.

• Puffed Rice: Look for light and crispy puffed rice. Stale murmura will ruin the texture. You can even lightly toast it in a dry pan for extra crispiness!
• Chutney Spice Levels: Chutney spice levels vary so much across India. Feel free to adjust the number of red and green chillies to suit your taste. My grandmother always said a good chutney should have a little kick!
• Tamarind Paste: This adds a lovely tang. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores.
• Sev: This is the crunchy, chickpea flour noodle garnish. It’s what gives chaat that satisfying crunch.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking (well, assembling!).

1. Make the Fiery Red Chutney: In a grinder, combine the dry red chillies, tamarind paste, garlic, roasted cumin, and a pinch of salt. Grind into a thick paste, adding a little water if needed.
2. Prepare the Spicy Green Chutney: Blend the mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chillies, tamarind paste, roasted cumin, and salt into a smooth paste. Again, add a splash of water if it’s too thick.
3. Whip Up the Sweet Brown Chutney: Grind the dates, tamarind paste, red chilli powder, sugar (if using), and salt into a thick paste. This chutney is a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy.
4. Assemble the Chaat: In a large bowl, gently combine the puffed rice, chopped onions, tomatoes, roasted peanuts, and 2 tablespoons each of the red, green, and brown chutneys. Don’t overmix, or the puffed rice will get soggy!
5. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle generously with chopped coriander leaves and sev. Serve immediately to enjoy the ultimate crunch!

Expert Tips

• Crispy Puffed Rice is Key: Seriously, don’t underestimate this. If your puffed rice isn’t crispy, the chaat won’t be the same.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust the amount of chutney to your liking. Some people prefer more green chutney, others more red.
• Don’t Add Salt Until the End: The chutneys and sev already contain salt, so it’s best to add more only if needed.

Variations

• My Friend Priya’s Version: Priya loves adding a sprinkle of chaat masala for an extra zing. It’s a great addition!
• Family Favorite – Boondi Chaat: Swap out some of the puffed rice for boondi (tiny fried chickpea flour balls) for a different texture.
• Add Some Veggies: Feel free to add finely chopped cucumber, carrots, or even boiled potatoes for extra nutrients and crunch.

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check that your sev is vegan-friendly, as some brands may contain dairy.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is also naturally gluten-free! Again, just ensure your sev is gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild, Medium, Hot)

• Mild: Reduce the number of green chillies to 1-2 and omit the red chilli powder in the sweet chutney.
• Medium: Use 3-4 green chillies and 1/2 tbsp red chilli powder.
• Hot: Use 5-6 green chillies and 1 tbsp red chilli powder. Don’t be afraid to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the red chutney!

Festival Adaptations (Navratri, Diwali snack)

This chaat is perfect for festivals! It’s a light and flavorful snack that everyone will enjoy. During Navratri, you can skip the onion and garlic to make it a vrat-friendly option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chaat immediately for the best texture. It pairs perfectly with a glass of chilled lassi or a cup of masala chai.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this chaat is best enjoyed fresh. The puffed rice will lose its crispness if stored. However, you can store the chutneys separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

FAQs

What is the best way to get the puffed rice extra crispy?

Lightly toasting the puffed rice in a dry pan for a few minutes will make it extra crispy. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Can I make the chutneys ahead of time? If so, how long will they last?

Yes! You can make the chutneys up to 3-4 days in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

What is tamarind paste and where can I find it?

Tamarind paste is made from the pulp of the tamarind fruit and has a sweet and tangy flavor. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online.

Can I use store-bought chutneys? What should I look for?

Yes, you can use store-bought chutneys in a pinch. Look for chutneys that are made with fresh ingredients and have a good balance of flavors.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sweet chutney?

Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

What is sev and what is it made of?

Sev is a crispy, savory snack made from chickpea flour (besan). It’s a popular garnish for chaat and other Indian snacks.